Washing Instructions

FOR WASHING YOUR MILLIKEN LINEN PRODUCTS

Basic Requirements

Milliken Table Linens are manufactured to outperform cotton, spun, and poly/cotton blends. However, it is important to process our linens properly in order to maximize your investment. That's why we provide a list of helpful washing instructions to ensure you have the knowledge for proper washing techniques.

Troubleshooting Guide for Washing Milliken Table Linens.

A Quick Reference Guide for Many Common Laundry Situations

Download Our TroubleShooting Guide

Troubleshooting-Guide-No-Finishing-Equipment

How to Wash Milliken Napery Fabrics With Finishing Equipment

Basic Requirements

1. Equipment must be free of burrs and sharp edges. 
2. Washing equipment should have properly functioning water level and temperature controls.
3. Follow normal extraction procedures on cool (90°-100°F) linens.* 
4. Cleaning and waxing of ironer chest, and maintenance of roll pads and covers should comply with ironer manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintain chest temperature between 310º F and 325º F on gas, steam, electric, and thermal fluid ironers.
5. Chemical feed systems must be functioning properly.
   *Polyester spun fabrics will retain more moisture and may require longer drying time.
   
   

Processing Requirements 

1. Before placing new linen into service, it should be washed separately to remove manufacturing residual dyes. Darker shades should be washed separately several times. 
2. Shade groups such as darks, mediums, and lights should be washed separately. To avoid color contamination, red colors should always be washed separately. 
3. Milliken napery fabrics should be washed separately from 100% cotton and poly/cotton blends to avoid contamination from lint and ensure proper cleaning. 
4. Wash formula and wash chemicals should be appropriate for type and amount of soil to be removed.* 
5. Surfactants are recommended in the break cycle. 
6. Use of complex phosphates along with silicated alkalies are recommended where permitted by law. 
7. Soaps of animal or vegetable fats should be avoided. 
8. Bleaches should not be used on colored Milliken napery. 
9. White Milliken Napery should receive antichlor treatment after hypochlorite or other chlorine bleaching. 
10. For good mechanical action, load washwheel: Full Drop—90%, Split Pocket—75%, Y-Pocket—65%.
11. Softeners and waxes must not be used with Milliken napery, as these will mask the absorbency of the fabric. 
12. Adequate rinsing to remove residual chemicals is necessary to ensure maximum fabric life and color retention. 
    *Additional chemicals and/or time may be required for spun polyester.
    
    

Processing Requirements For All Signature Stripe, Including Chambray, And Checkpoint

1. All requirements as stated above. 
2. All Signature Stripe should be washed with White loads to prevent color transfer onto the white areas.  

Starching and Sizing 

A clean fiber surface with good water absorbency is essential for proper starching or sizing of our prodcuts. To test, place a few drops of water on a clean, ironed, and cool napkin. If water is completely absorbed into fabric within three seconds, proper adhesion and film formation of starch or size should occur. Absorbency time in excess of three seconds will require adequate clean up prior to starching or sizing. 

1. Sour should be added to the wheel and allowed to dispense prior to adding starch or size. We suggest addition of sour two minutes prior to addition of starch or size. This will help avoid differential absorption resulting in hard and soft spots in the napery. Sour should be added to achieve a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. 
2. Starch or size should be applied during the sour step of the formula. Water level should be as low as practical. Water temperature should be maintained in the 90º F to 100º F range to facilitate dispersion and avoid highlighting.
3. Wheel should be allowed to run eight to ten minutes after addition of starch or size to allow even penetration of the dispersion throughout the load. 
4. Twelve to 24 ounces per hundred weight of starch or combined starch and size are adequate to cover the range of aesthetics desired by restaurant customers. Corn, wheat, and rice pregelatinized (dry to the wheel) starches as well as most cooked starches have all been found to work well on our napery. Synthetic size in conjunction with starch also works well for those accounts who desire extra firmness. Synthetic size must be removed with each wash. 
5. If possible, use sufficient extraction to permit napery to be ironed without tumbling. Excessive tumbling will reduce the effectiveness of the starch or size significantly.

Wash-Finishing-Equipment

How to Wash Milliken Napery Fabrics  Without Finishing Equipment

Basic Requirements

1. Equipment must be free of burrs and sharp edges. 
2. Washing equipment should have properly functioning water level and temperature controls. 
3. Chemical feed systems must be functioning properly. 
4. Drying equipment must have properly functioning temperature and cool-down controls. 
5. Lint screens on dryers must be cleaned daily. 
6. Standard operating procedure should include periodic inspections of the above listed requirements.
   
   

Processing Requirements 

1. Before placing new linen into service it should be washed separately to remove manufacturing residual dye. Darker shades may require additional washings. 
2. Shade groups such as whites, dark, mediums, lights, and reds should be washed separately. 
3. All linen must be shaken out so debris (food and sharp objects) will not be loaded into the washer with the table linen. 
4. Milliken Napery Fabrics should be washed separately from 100% Cotton and Poly/Cotton blends to avoid contamination from lint. 
5. For good mechanical action, load washwheel: Full Drop—90%, Split Pocket—75%, Y-Pocket—65%. 
6. Wash formula and wash chemicals should be appropriate for type and amount of soil to be removed. 
7. Additional chemicals and/or wash time may be required for spun polyester over recommended Visa formulas. 
8. Surfactants are recommended in the break cycle. 
9. Adequate cool down in both the wash wheel and dryer is critical. 
   
   

Processing Requirements for Gingham Checks

1. All requirements as stated above.
2. Checks must be washed separately from all other linen products to prevent color transfer from other products.
   
   

Suggested Washing Procedure

1. Load washers to recommended washer capacity. 
2. Washing should be performed at high temperature (140º F or higher). A gradual cool-down or split rinses should be used to step down the water temperature, 15º F (or less) increments until the load is at 90 - 100º F. Thermal shock may occur if rapid temperature drops take place. 
3. Avoid softeners and waxes in the wash cycle, as these will mask the absorbency of the fabric. 
4. Soaps of animal or vegetable fats should be avoided. 
5. Do not use chlorine bleaches on colored napery. 
6. Adequate rinsing is necessary to remove residual chemicals and to ensure maximum fabric life and color retention.
   
   

Suggested Drying Procedure

1. Load dryers to 50% of the rated capacity. 
2. Set heat cycle for a fabric temperature of 180º - 200º F. 
3. Linen must be dry before “cool-down” cycle starts. Drying time usually varies between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on extraction, load size, and temperature.
4. The linen and walls of the dryer must be cooled down to room temperature before the dryer is stopped. Approximate cool-down times will range from 8 to 15 minutes.
5. To minimize wrinkling, expedite loads through all processing procedures: washing, drying, and folding.
6. These handling procedures should be utilized to obtain optimum flat-dry results:
   1. Tablecloths and napkins should be unloaded from dryer immediately after cycle is complete. 
   2. Tablecloths should be draped or spread across a cart or folding table as unloaded. Napkins should be stacked flat and as high as handling will permit. 
   3. Linen should be folded neatly, stacked by size and placed in an adequate storage area. Standard practice allowing 24-hour shelf-time will enhance the flat-dry appearance of the table linen. 
7. Professional flat-dry results can best be obtained by ironing Milliken linens.

Wash Instruction Recommendations Without Finishing Equipment

How to Wash Milliken Table Skirting

Basic Requirements 

1. Equipment must be free of burrs and sharp edges. 
2. Washing equipment should have adequate water level and temperature controls. 
3. Follow normal extraction procedures on cool (100º F) linens. 
4. Cleaning, waxing and maintenance of roll pads and covers should comply with ironer manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintain chest temperature between 315º F and 350º F.
   
   If Tunnel Finishing Is Used
5. Steam tunnels should have adequate steam impingement and turbulence to soften and shake garments thoroughly. Air temperature in tunnel should not exceed 325º F, preferably 300º F. 
6. Residence time in tunnel should be sufficient to raise temperature of multilayer areas of garment to 260ºF, but not over 280º F. 
7. Adequate cooling of garments at exit of tunnel should be provided prior to accumulating on route sorting rods.

Processing Requirements 

1. Dark, medium and light colors, and white Visa Aprons should be washed separately. 
2. Visa® aprons should be washed separately from aprons of spun yarns to avoid contamination from lint and extraneous finishing chemicals which may mask Visa performance. 
3. Wash formula and wash chemicals should be appropriate to type and amount of soil to be removed. 
4. Soaps of animal or vegetable fats should be avoided. Anionics and nonionics of appropriate cloud point should be utilized. 
5. Use of complex phosphates along with silicated alkalies are recommended where permitted by law. 
6. Solvated surfactants may be used where needed for oily soil conditions. 
7. Use of bleaches should be avoided on colored Visa aprons. 
8. White Visa aprons should receive antichlor treatment after hypochlorite or other chlorine bleaching. 
9. For good mechanical action, load washwheel to 90% of rated capacity. 
10. Softeners and waxes should be avoided with Visa aprons, as these may mask the absorbency of the fabric.
    
    If Tumble Dried or Tunnel Finished
11. Load should be 65% full drop, 60% split pocket, and 50% for Y-pocket machines for adequate cleaning and good wrinkle removal. 
12. Conditioner load should not exceed 50% rated capacity. 
13. Gas flame on conditioners should not impinge on conditioner basket. 
14. Garments should be cooled to 100º F prior to removal from washwheel and conditioner.

For Added Body Starching and Sizing

A clean fiber surface with good water absorbency is essential for proper starching or sizing of aprons and coats. If inadequate firmness is obtained, place a few drops of water on a clean, ironed, cool apron. If water is completely absorbed into fabric within three seconds, proper adhesion and film formation of starch or size should occur. Absorbency time in excess of three seconds will require adequate clean up prior to starching or sizing. 

1. Starch or size should be applied during the sour step of the formula. Water level should be as low as practical. Water temperature should be maintained in the 90º F to 110º F range to facilitate dispersion and avoid highlighting. 
2. Sour should be added to the wheel and allowed to disperse prior to adding starch or size. We suggest addition of sour two minutes prior to addition of starch or size. This will help avoid differential absorption resulting in hard and soft spots on the aprons or coats. 
3. Wheel should be allowed to run five to eight minutes after addition of starch or size to allow even penetration of the dispersion throughout the load. 
4. Six to 12 ounces per hundred weight of starch or combined starch and size are generally adequate to cover the range of aesthetics desired by restaurant customers. Corn, wheat, and rice pregelatinized (dry to the wheel) starches as well as most cooked starches have all been found to work well. Synthetic size (polyvinyl acetate) in conjunction with starch also works well for those accounts that desire extra firmness. 
5. If possible, use sufficient extraction to permit aprons to be ironed without tumbling. Excessive tumbling will reduce the effectiveness of the starch or size significantly. 
6. Softeners and waxes should be avoided in the starch bath. Also, care should be used in selection of mildew preventatives as certain of these type materials can inhibit the proper film formation of the starch or size.

How to Wash Visa® Aprons and Coats

Basic Requirements 

1. Equipment must be free of burrs and sharp edges. 
2. Washing equipment should have adequate water level and temperature controls. 
3. Follow normal extraction procedures on cool (100º F) linens. 
4. Cleaning, waxing and maintenance of roll pads and covers should comply with ironer manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintain chest temperature between 315º F and 350º F.
   
   If Tunnel Finishing is Used
5. Steam tunnels should have adequate steam impingement and turbulence to soften and shake garments thoroughly. Air temperature in tunnel should not exceed 325º F, preferably 300º F. 
6. Residence time in tunnel should be sufficient to raise temperature of multilayer areas of garment to 260ºF, but not over 280º F. 
7. Adequate cooling of garments at exit of tunnel should be provided prior to accumulating on route sorting rods.

Processing Requirements 

1. Dark, medium and light colors, and white Visa Aprons should be washed separately. 
2. Visa Aprons should be washed separately from aprons of spun yarns to avoid contamination from lint and extraneous finishing chemicals which may mask VISA performance. 
3. Wash formula and wash chemicals should be appropriate to type and amount of soil to be removed. 
4. Soaps of animal or vegetable fats should be avoided. Anionics and nonionics of appropriate cloud point should be utilized. 
5. Use of complex phosphates along with silicated alkalies are recommended where permitted by law. 
6. Solvated surfactants may be used where needed for oily soil conditions. 
7. Use of bleaches should be avoided on colored Visa Aprons. 
8. White Visa Aprons should receive antichlor treatment after hypochlorite or other chlorine bleaching. 
9. For good mechanical action, load washwheel to 90% of rated capacity. 
10. Softeners and waxes should be avoided with Visa Aprons, as these may mask the absorbency of the fabric.
    
    If Tumble Dried or Tunnel Finished
11. Load should be 65% full drop, 60% split pocket, and 50% for Y pocket machines for adequate cleaning and good wrinkle removal. 
12. Conditioner load should not exceed 50% rated capacity. 
13. Gas flame on conditioners should not impinge on conditioner basket. 
14. Garments should be cooled to 100º F prior to removal from washwheel and conditioner. 
    
    

For Added Body Starching and Sizing

A clean fiber surface with good water absorbency is essential for proper starching or sizing of aprons and coats. If inadequate firmness is obtained, place a few drops of water on a clean, ironed, cool apron. If water is completely absorbed into fabric within three seconds, proper adhesion and film formation of starch or size should occur. Absorbency time in excess of three seconds will require adequate clean up prior to starching or sizing. 

1. Starch or size should be applied during the sour step of the formula. Water level should be as low as practical (3” to 6” above basket). Water temperature should be maintained in the 90º F to 110º F range to facilitate dispersion and avoid highlighting. 
2. Sour should be added to the wheel and allowed to disperse prior to adding starch or size. We suggest addition of sour two minutes prior to addition of starch or size. This will help avoid differential absorption resulting in hard and soft spots on the aprons or coats. 
3. Wheel should be allowed to run five (5) to eight (8) minutes after addition of starch or size to allow even penetration of the dispersion throughout the load.
4. Six to twelve ounces per hundred weight of starch or combined starch and size are generally adequate to cover the range of aesthetics desired by restaurant customers. Corn, wheat and rice pregelatinized (dry to the wheel) starches as well as most cooked starches have all been found to work well. Synthetic size (polyvinyl acetate) in conjunction with starch also works well for those accounts who desire extra firmness.
5. If possible, use sufficient extraction to permit aprons to be ironed without tumbling. Excessive tumbling will reduce the effectiveness of the starch or size significantly. 
6. Softeners and waxes should be avoided in the starch bath. Also, care should be used in selection of mildew preventatives as certain of these type materials can inhibit the proper film formation of the starch or size.

Washing Instructions for Home Type Washer & Dryer

Basic requirements

Equipment: Maytag, Kenmore, General Electric, Whirlpool, etc.

Loading: Do not overload washer or dryer. Wash loads must have good flotation and agitation.

Washing: Use perma press cycle or split water temperatures (110-130°) with a cold water rinse. Use chemicals recommended for home type washers. Do not use softeners, as they may waterproof the linen.

Dryers: Use perma press cycle for 12-15 minutes with an 8-minute cool down. (Times may vary due to load size and extraction.) If dryers do not have perma press cycle, use medium heat (120-160°), and “air” for cool down step. Do not overload dryer. Linen must tumble freely for optimum flat dry results.

Checklist for Wrinkles

1. Overloading—Wash loads may be too large for size washer or dryer (no mechanical action or flotation equipment). 
2. Overdrying—Linen may be too dry before cool down begins. Reduce dryer time to where linen is just dry before cool down cycle begins. 
3. Thermal Shock Wrinkles—Drastic changes in fabric temperatures. Examples: water temperature drops from 180°-100°; dryers are being stopped while still hot (140°-160°). 
4. Improper Cool Down—Dryers have been stopped before linen has been cooled to normal body temperature for folding. 
5. Process Wrinkles—Wrinkles occur due to mishandling or linen that has sat in the washer, dryers, or buggies for prolonged periods of time. 
6. Improper Storage—Inadequate storage on shelves or racks. Linen also may have been folded improperly before reaching storage areas.
7. Shelf Time—Recommended shelf time for linen is 24 hours for optimum flat dry results. 

In House Small Laundries Recommendations For Handling Signature Plus™ Home Type Washer & Dryer

Checklist for Stains 

1. Overloading - No mechanical action or linen has been packed too tight for proper agitation. 
2. Improper Chemical Usage - The amount of detergent may be too small for the size wash load being processed, or the soil level is too high. 
3. Abusive Stains - These type stains are usually of three types:
   1. - carbon based: grill grease, ashtrays, etc.
   2. - silver polish
   3. - cement stains 
      Usually bleach will help salvage the linen unless stains are of above types. 
4. Softeners - We do not recommend the use of softeners. Most softeners coat the Signature Plus™ linen making it waterproof and hard to remove stains. 
5. Hard Water - Chemicals that may be found in water make cleaning at normal detergent loads difficult. Some stains may be due to iron or calcium, which may be found in the water.

Suggested Color Groupings for Washing

General Rule

The general rule for mixing table linen colors in the wash is to keep similar colors and similar degrees of color darkness together. If you have a nonstandard color that you would like to know where to group or any questions about mixing colors, contact us for detailed instructions. 

Recommendation

Checkpoint™ must be washed white or by itself to prevent color transfer. Milliken recommends all table linens, especially dark shades, be washed before renting to customers. Dark shades should be washed with only that color four to five times before mixing with a shade group.

Color Group Chart

Checkpoint Washing Instructions

All new Checkpoint colors should be washed separately on the first wash.

After the first wash all Checkpoint colors can be washed with white Signature on
a bleach formula.

Do NOT wash Checkpoint with other colored linens.

Checkpoint Processing

How to Restore Linen to a Non-Wrinkle State

1. Load gas dryer 50% capacity or preferably less with dry wrinkled linen.
2. Run on “hot” setting (190° - 210° F) from 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Run 10 to 15 minutes “cool down” or until dryer is sufficiently cooled to about 100°F. 4. Be sure dryer does not stop during either heat or cool cycles.
4. Remove linen as per proper handling instructions as outlined in our brochure.
5. Allow shelf life if possible to remove remaining “soft” wrinkles. Hard creases and wrinkles should be gone. The high heat and extended time allow the fabric to “relax” back into its flat dry state.

NOTE: If the dryer does not get hot enough to do a reclaim, the linens may be taken to a Laundromat to run this procedure. Or, a rental laundry or dry cleaners can run the linens through a flatwork ironer (set at 325° - 340°F) to remove the hard wrinkles.